Porcine Proliferative Enteropathy – NAVLE Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Porcine Proliferative Enteropathy (PPE), also known as ileitis, is an economically significant enteric disease of swine caused by Lawsonia intracellularis, an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative, microaerophilic, curved rod-shaped bacterium. PPE is endemic in pig herds worldwide with herd prevalence often exceeding 90% and represents one of the most important causes of enteric disease in growing pigs.
The disease is characterized by distinctive thickening of the intestinal mucosa due to proliferation of immature intestinal crypt epithelial cells. Lesions primarily occur in the ileum but may extend to the jejunum, cecum, and colon. Economic losses stem from reduced growth rates, poor feed conversion efficiency, increased mortality (in acute cases), and treatment costs.
Etiology
Causative Agent
Lawsonia intracellularis is the sole member of the genus Lawsonia within the family Desulfovibrionaceae. Key microbiological characteristics include:
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